Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh (17 August 1883) ... matter when
you left, I'll drop it.
Indeed, I am thinking of what you said and of what I wrote
you about my clothes; I am not reluctant, and think you are
perfectly right when you say that if I ever went to see
Herkomer, or others, they would notice my appearance - but I
know that myself without your saying so. Further, what you said
about Father - now there has been occasion to write more often
to him than usual, and you will read the letter yourself. And
so it is with everything. In short, when I give an opinion
about persons, circumstances, a society in which I do not move,
you may understand that I do not always speak justly, but let
my imagination roam without regard to reality, and that I see
things in a very fantastic way, just as things may appear
strange when seen against the light.
You who are nearer to them do not understand how it is
possible for them to appear this way, seen it at a distance and
from behind. And even if I should see things quite incorrectly,
...
Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh (20 or 21 August 1883) ... it puts me out rather than helps
me.
As for my clothes, dear brother, I put on what was given me,
without wanting more, without asking for more. I have worn
clothes I got from Father and from you, which sometimes do not
fit me the way they ought to because of the difference in our
sizes. If you will drop the matter of defects in my attire, I
shall remain content with what I have, and even be grateful for
little, though of course later I hope to remind you of it and
say, “Theo, do you remember the time when I walked about
in a long clergyman's coat of Father's?” etc. It seems to
me that it is infinitely better to take things as they are
now, and laugh over them later, when we have made our
way, rather than quarrel about them now.
For the moment I have the suit you brought for me to wear
when I go out, and more things that are still quite
presentable. But you must excuse my not putting them on in the
studio or when I work out-of-doors - it would be spoiling...
Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh (c. 24 April 1888) ... there, like the series of orchards in bloom here.
Also, I have bought three strong linen shirts and two pairs of stout shoes with the idea of moving.
Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh (c. 3 May 1888) ... or not. Consequently there
is nothing urgent. But if it's all the same to you, send me 100
francs next time anyway, as I want to get some drawers made,
just as I have had the shirts and shoes, and must send almost
all my clothes to be cleaned and mended. Then they will be
quite all right again. This is urgent in case I have to go to
Marseilles or see people here. The more precautions we take
now, the surer we are of being able to hold out in the long
run, and of getting the work under control.
I have got ten canvases that I'm looking for a case for, and
I'll send them one of these days.
A handshake for you, and Koning too. I got a postcard from
Koning saying that he had had a letter telling him to take back
the pictures from the Independents' show. Naturally it was the
only thing to do, and what could I do about it?
Ever yours, Vincent
...
Letter from Vincent van Gogh to Theo van Gogh (c. 27 August 1888) ... and
even more original.
About my clothes, certainly they were beginning to be the
worse for wear, but only last week I bought a black velvet
jacket of fairly good quality for 20 francs, and a new hat, so
there is no hurry.
But I consulted that postman I painted, who had often
furnished and refurnished his little home moving from place to
place, as to the approximate price of the necessary furniture,
and he said that you could not get a good bed here which would
last for less than 150 francs - if you want to get something
substantial, of course.
However, that hardly upsets the calculation that by saving
the money spent on lodging, at the end of a year we should find
ourselves in possession of some furniture, without having spent
any more during the year. And as soon as I can, I shall not
hesitate to do it.
If Gauguin and I do not take the opportunity to fix
ourselves up like this, we may drag on year after year in small
lodgings where we cannot...
